Mr Len Yarran, a Noongar elder, was the featured guest for our Chamber’s Wednesday Networking event on June 2, 2021. Len is a long serving education officer at Balga Senior High School. He is also the founder and co-Chair of Wadjak Northside, a community centre dedicated to promoting the welfare of local indigenous community.
Len delivered a wide ranging talk, covering indigenous culture and stories. He discussed the heritage significance for many of Perth’s land features. He gave an overview of the different aboriginal nations and clans in and around Western Australia. Indigenous people have been using local plants for healing over thousands of years.
While recognizing that the indigenous population have suffered after the arrival of newer Australians some 250 years ago, Len believes that it is impossible to change history. We should however acknowledge the past, both the good and the bad, and learn its lessons. Indigenous people seek respect, empathy, and not sympathy.
The evening, which coincided with National Reconciliation Week, was well attended by Council Members, members and guests. All attendees benefited from the speaker’s knowledge and wisdom.
